MTG Restructures Pay-TV Packages in Scandinavia

STOCKHOLM, September 26: As part of a restructuring of its Viasat DTH satellite
pay-TV offerings, Modern Times Group (MTG) will offer its subscribers more than
20 different options of how they can customize their pay-TV channel packages.

The move reflects MTG’s commitment to providing maximum
flexibility in the multichannel viewing environment. Viasat’s new packaging
structure will replace the previous one, and will be introduced in Sweden on
October 4, in Norway on October 15 and in Denmark on November 1. The packaging
comprises a core of public-service channels and leading commercial channels in
each country, which is then combined with a range of thematic and premium
channel packages. Subscribers will be able to choose between three thematic
packages of broad entertainment channels, leading international documentary and
news channels, and children’s and music channels, as well as a premium movie
package and a premium sports package.

The number of channels offered
on the Viasat platform will remain the same for the time being, with more than
20 of the channels on the platform being Viasat-branded movie, sport,
documentary, and broad entertainment channels.

The pricing of the packages
will now range from a minimum of NOK 119, SEK 129 and DKK 149 per month, to a
maximum of NOK 319, SEK 319 and DKK 319 per month. The Viasat Golf channel,
Viasat+ (PVR) and Viasat Multiroom will continue to be available as additional
services for added fees. Existing subscribers will continue to receive at least
the same number of channels they have received to date, until the end of their
current contract period, and may choose to upgrade their subscription with
additional packages. Viasat’s individual or packaged channel content will also
be available via the Internet, as well as third-party cable, terrestrial,
broadband and mobile networks.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, the
president and CEO of MTG, commented: “This new structure will provide greater
flexibility for our existing customers, as well as a clearly segmented offering
to attract new subscribers from rival platforms. The objective is to provide
viewers with even greater choice in what they watch, how they watch and when
they watch. It is also expected to facilitate the upselling of subscribers into
our unrivalled premium content packages and, therefore, to drive an ongoing
increase in the average spend per household on pay-TV services. We will
continue to add new channels to the platform and develop new value added
services for customers, in order to further enhance the multichannel viewing
experience.”